REASONS TO BUY
Lightweight
Bouncy
Highly versatile
REASONS TO AVOID
Lacks stability
Odd fit
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 Review
A lightweight shoe that has plenty of comfort for easy running and some pop when you want to go fast, but it lacks stability, and the fit isn't for everyone
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
By Nathaniel Bailey ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ October 10, 2025
RELATED: The Best Running Shoes for Men
Our Verdict
The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 is one of our favorite daily trainers because it has an energetic feel and a lower weight. Thanks to a substantial foam stack height and energy boosting foam, it's very versatile. We think it's best for uptempo running, but we also love to grab it for easy miles when hoping to feel light and fast. It's a comfortable shoe that offers enough cushioning for long runs, but also has the bounce to be a good training partner on tempos and workouts. While the fit still runs a little short and wide, this version improved on the last model by adding a softer heel cup that no longer rubs. The result is a great do-it-all shoe that we recommend for those who are following a training plan in preparation for a race or two.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Rebel has been a popular shoe for quite a while because it's fun to run in.
Running in the Rebel is joy, whether you're out for an easy jog or chasing a Strava segment.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Cushioning
New Balance's FuelCell foam in the Rebel v5 is a PEBA/EVA combination. As a result, the midsole has a significant amount of energy return and feels very forgiving underfoot.
The ample 34 mm stack of foam helps the Rebel v5 feel more comfortable on impact.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
It's a pretty soft shoe, with more of a pillowy feeling underfoot than most competitors, so runners who love soft shoes will feel right at home. We measured 34 mm stack height and a 7 mm drop, which is lower than some competitors, but the softer foam doesn't make that obvious.
The 34mm stack height of the Rebel is lower than some competitors, but the soft and energetic FuelCell midsole still provides plenty of cushioning.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
On the run, we experienced a shoe that helped keep our legs feeling energetic on long efforts. The Rebel felt great during runs of about 90 minutes, although the softer foam worked our legs a little more than a shoe with a bit more structure. While it isn't our first choice for those runs, it isn't the worst choice.
Despite feeling very soft underfoot, the Rebel does have some bounce as you push off the ground. Plus, it's light.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Responsiveness
The Rebel v5 is a versatile shoe. While it feels soft underfoot, which makes faster paces feel a little harder, it has plenty of energy return for 5K-marathon speeds. The gentle rocker feels natural and slightly less pronounced than in the last version, but it still aids in pushing you forward. Overall, this shoe is more than capable of being a do-it-all shoe for many runners.
The padded heel collar solved our biggest issue with the last version of this shoe.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Upper Comfort
The lightweight and racy upper of the Rebel is comfortable and much improved from the last version. Thanks to additional padding and soft-touch materials on the heel, we didn't experience any of the rubbing we did with the previous version.
The Rebel is breathable, though not as breathable as some competitors.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
The tongue of the shoe works well to prevent rubbing even when the laces are cinched down tightly, and it doesn't move while on the run. Thanks to the airy engineered-mesh upper, it breathes well in the heat. Overall, this is a solid upper, but not an exceptionally comfortable one, making it better suited for running than everyday wear running errands.
In this cutaway, you can see the relatively low arch and sidewalls.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Stability
The Rebel's midsole is soft, detracting from its overall stability. While it has a broader base, the foam doesn't have much structure. Plus, there isn't much by way of extra arch support or sidewalls. So, if you have weak ankles or pronation-related issues, you'll likely find that these shoes don't have as much stability as you want or need. While we think most runners will be happy with the shoe's stability, you should know that it is somewhat limited and not suitable for everyone.
Everyone loves a light running shoe, and the Rebel is one of the lightest.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Weight
The Rebel v5 weighs 8.19 ounces in a US Men's 10.5, which is very light for a daily trainer.
Light shoes are a joy to run in, moving effortlessly and keeping you feeling fresh for longer.
We particularly noticed rock strikes under the midfoot when wearing the Rebel, which is the area that has no thick rubber outsole.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Traction
This shoe has solid traction, but nothing that stands out. The rubber outsole has good coverage, with enough grooves to make traction on crushed gravel paths decent. We didn't experience any issues with traction, but did note that larger rocks can be felt through the shoe more so than competitors with a thicker outsole.
If you want cushion for longer miles, the Rebel v5 could be a potential contender.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Should You Buy the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5?
This is one of the better do-it-all daily trainers we tested. Thanks to a low weight and an energetic feel, the Rebel v5 is as comfortable knocking out easy mileage as tackling a marathon-pace workout. While it does offer some top-end, we think runners looking for a workout-specific shoe should consider other options. Runners who need stability should look for a shoe with a slightly firmer ride.
What Other Running Shoes Should You Consider?
The key competitor to the Rebel v5 is the Adidas Adizero Evo SL, and we think the Evo is the better shoe. It offers a more energetic feel and more stability while still remaining very comfortable for long runs. Another go-to option in the do-it-all category is the Asics Novablast 5, which errs more on the side of comfort but is still capable of picking up the pace for your hardest workouts.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 versus top competing products:
—Nathaniel Bailey
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